The 2nd Forum of the European Climate Pact, held on February 24, 2026, at the European Commission Representation in Warsaw, has concluded. For another year, we had the pleasure of organizing this unique event, bringing together experts and leaders working on climate issues. This year's edition was attended by 35 Ambassadors and Partners, who actively participated in discussions and exchanged experiences. It was a day full of inspiring conversations and concrete examples of actions that truly support climate transformation.
The meeting began with a welcome from Przemysław Kalinka, Head of the Communication Department at the European Commission Representation in Warsaw; Jacek Wasik, Representative of the European Parliament Office; and Leszek Drogosz, Director of the Infrastructure Office at the Warsaw City Hall and President of our Association's Management Board; and Anna Jaskuła, Director of the Office of the Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités.
Next, current trends in European climate policy were presented by Katarzyna Wrona, Director of the Department of Air Protection and Climate Negotiations at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, and Izabela Zygmunt, Specialist for the European Green Deal.
Katarzyna Wrona emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have significantly changed the context of Europe's economic and climate transformation, which must combine ambitious environmental goals with geopolitical challenges. She identified three key trends that influence the direction of European climate policy: the need to strengthen competitiveness by adapting the ETS to new realities, the renaissance of heavy industry as a pillar of Europe's security, and building Europe's energy security based on stable, domestic energy sources.
Izabela Zygmunt, in turn, highlighted factors hindering the implementation of climate policy, including changes in US policy and the growing importance of defense spending. She also emphasized the need to counter climate disinformation and the need for consistent implementation of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets at the national and international levels.
Next, Justyna Mazurkiewicz, Head of the Climate Team at the Department of Environment of the Marshal's Office of the Małopolska Voivodeship, discussed the importance of public engagement in climate transformation processes, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and genuine citizen involvement in decision-making processes. She emphasized that difficult changes require the understanding and cooperation of residents to be accepted and effectively implemented. She also pointed out that active participation of local communities allows for better tailoring actions to their needs, strengthens trust, and promotes a lasting shift towards more pro-environmental attitudes.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the activities of foreign Ambassadors from the Netherlands, Italy, Lithuania, and Portugal, who joined us online.
The most anticipated part of the Forum was the ceremonial presentation of diplomas to Ambassadors and Partners – both those who had just joined our community and those serving for another year. These awards recognize their commitment and efforts to promote climate change and sustainable development. Each honoree also had the opportunity to briefly present their work, allowing participants to better understand and inspire one another. This formal part served as an excellent introduction to the next session, in the World Café format, which brought together guests around their areas of interest, fostering in-depth conversations and the exchange of ideas and experiences.
We thank all participants for their active participation in the event, with hopes for continued vibrant and fruitful collaboration.
Agenda
Presentations
- Current Trends in European Climate Policy , Izabela ZYGMUNT, Team Europe Direct
- The Role of Social Engagement in Climate Transformation , Justyna MAZURKIEWICZ, Marshal's Office of the Małopolska Voivodeship
- Advancing sustainability across engineering, policymaking and storytelling , Giulia MARZETTI
- Innovative way to work outdoor office culture - practice that evolves cities , Sandra GALDIKAITĖ, 9 zuikiai
- How creativity, storytelling and human connection power climate action! , Bruno LISBOA DIOTALLÉVY, Livre Para - Social Good
- Cycling 4 Climate, a brief history of time, Joost BRINKMAN, Cycling 4 Climate
The event was organized as part of the European Climate Pact
